SDG Impact Lab, Oxford Department of International Development, University of Oxford
The SDG Impact Lab, in partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation, is seeking a research advisor to co-supervise our cohort of Laidlaw scholars and co-design an exciting study on the impact of extracurricular activiries on students in UK state schools.
Who We Are
The SDG Impact Lab brings together academic expertise and real-world practice to address sustainable development challenges. Working closely with community partners, the Lab develops innovative approaches to implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals at local and global levels. Our student programmes integrate theory, ethics and practical skills, and are designed to equip students to lead transformative and sustainable change.
The Placement Project
The SDG Impact Lab, in partnership with the Laidlaw Foundation, is conducting an innovative study examining how extracurricular activities impact educational outcomes among students in UK state schools, particularly those in low-income areas. This research will form the foundation of a multi-year longitudinal study exploring the role of extracurricular activities in addressing educational inequality.
As a Community Impact Research Advisor, you will co-supervise undergraduate Laidlaw Scholars' research projects while contributing to the design of this larger longitudinal study. This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable supervision experience while contributing to research with real-world impact on educational equality goals (SDG 4).
* The SDG Impact Lab offers a vibrant and creative environment and we would be happy to tailor this project to meet your learning and development goals. The responsibilities described below should cover 8 weeks of full-time engagement (or part-time equivalent). If you would like to get involved in more of our activities/projects we can extend the duration of the placement to 12 weeks.
Your Responsibilities
- Co-supervise Laidlaw scholars conducting desk-based and primary research on the impact of extracurricular activities. There can be additional teaching opportunities on research design and analysis (if desired).
- Support Laidlaw scholars in developing research methodologies and analytical frameworks for their projects.
- Guide scholars in writing research reports and creating research posters.
- Design a robust methodology for a longitudinal study investigating extracurricular impacts in low-income areas, building on the Laidlaw scholars' project findings.
- Collaborate with the SDG Impact Lab team and Laidlaw Foundation partners.
- Contribute to weekly team meetings and bi-weekly supervision sessions.
The successful candidate will
- gain hands-on supervision and mentoring experience
- develop expertise in research design for longitudinal studies
- build networks with the Oxford SDG Impact Lab and Laidlaw Foundation
- contribute to research with direct University policy relevance
- enhance their project management and collaborative research skills.
Supervision and Collaboration Arrangements
The successful candidate will be embedded within the SDG Impact Lab and work closely with the Laidlaw Programme Manager and senior members of the SDG Impact Lab team (i.e. the COO and Co-founders).
Unfortunately, we will not be able to sponsor the student for a visa covering the duration of the placement, if required.
Selection Criteria
The succesful candidate will have
- a current GUDTP or OOC DTP doctoral scholarship
- experience in one or more of the following areas: Education Policy, Social Inequality, Youth Development, Inequality, Longitudinal Research Design, or Impact Evaluation
- strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
- experience or interest in mentoring, pastoral care and/or research supervision
- commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The following experience is desirable:
- Familiarity with educational policy in the UK context
- Experience in working with young people or in educational settings
- Familiarity with mixed-methods research approaches
- Experience in impact evaluation.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a short cover letter (up to 750 words) in .pdf format by e-mailing placements.gudtp@socsci.ox.ac.uk. These should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria and your motivation to undertake this placement.
Application Deadline: 26 June 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in-person/remotely by Ruby-Anne Birin, Programme Manager for the SDG Impact Lab. This will be an opportunity to discuss how we could tailor the placement to your interests and see if we are a good fit for each other.
